In surf parlance, the Endless Summer is a utopia of perfect waves and never-ending exploration. However, a real endless summer of drought and escalating temperatures is more hell-like than heaven-sent and locals are doing what they can to protect the former from the latter.

L.A. Deputy Mayor Rick Cole, an outspoken proponent of equity and sustainability in local government and planning and self-described progressive Catholic, will take over as city manager in Santa Monica.

The City Council announced the unanimous decision at a special meeting Wednesday.